Baker College opens new academic resource center, manufacturing lab

Baker College of Jackson has opened a new Academic Resource Center (ARC) and a new manufacturing technology center.

“We continually examine student needs and employment trends to ensure we are meeting both,” said Patricia A. Kaufman, Ed.D., Baker College of Jackson president. “Our goal is to stay on the cutting edge of teaching and learning. These new areas within our campus offer state-of-the-art technology in environments that are stimulating to our students.”

Blending resources

With more academic content available online, the role of libraries has changed, and Baker College’s new ARC is poised to provide the services that students want and need today.

The ARC combines the functions of the campus library, the Writing Center, Learning Support Services and Academic Advising into a single blended resource that encompasses 10,400 square feet of renovated space when including the connected student lunch and lounge areas.

“Students aren’t necessarily seeking printed resource material or computers to gain Internet access at the campus library,” Kaufman. “They need group work areas, collaboration rooms, quiet study areas, laptop and tablet bars, and areas for practicing presentations with access to supporting hardware and software tools. The new Academic Resource Center addresses all of these needs while continuing to offer traditional library resources in a more contemporary environment.”

Ramping up manufacturing training

Existing classroom space in another part of the Jackson campus has been turned into a manufacturing technology center. The state-of-the-art lab and adjoining classrooms support new and existing manufacturing and engineering programs.

“We listened to area employers, studied the job forecasts and responded to a gap in available talent,” said David Gomez, D.B.A., dean of business and technology programs at Baker College of Jackson.

The new lab replicates a machine shop with equipment similar to that used by Jackson-area manufacturers. It includes 12 Haas CNC Control Simulators; a computer numerical control (CNC) and manual 2D lathe and 3D mill; a belt sander; multiple saws; a MIG (metal inert gas) and TIG (tungsten inert gas) welder; and a number of material testers.

“Baker College has always focused on providing real-world experience to students,” Gomez said. “Now, they will gain that experience in our lab because we have the capability to offer assistance in product development to area manufacturers. These opportunities allow students from all our manufacturing programs to experience the collaborative process of moving a product from the concept stage to prototype production.”

Next fall, the lab will expand, allowing for additional needed equipment as the mechanical engineering bachelor’s program enters its third through fifth years.

In addition to the bachelor’s in mechanical engineering, other manufacturing programs offered at the Jackson campus are the associate degree in mechanical technology, CNC operator certificate and associate degree in advanced manufacturing technology.

All of the renovation work on the campus was done by local contractors through the Jackson Commercial Contractors Association.

For more information about the manufacturing programs at Baker College of Jackson, contact Kevin Pnacek in the admissions office at 517.788.7800 or kevin.pnacek@baker.edu.

The largest private college in Michigan, Baker College is a not-for-profit higher education institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It serves more than 28,000 students on multiple campuses and online. Baker grants certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in more than 150 programs across diverse academic fields, including business, health sciences, engineering, information technology, education and human services. An impressive 97 percent of available graduates are employed. Every Baker graduate receives Lifetime Employment Assistance—free and forever. Baker is a pioneer in online education and offers students the option of completing a degree 100 percent online, without ever visiting a campus. For information, visit www.baker.edu or follow Baker College on Twitter, @bakercollege, or on Facebook, www.facebook.com/bakercollege.